MPs in Worcestershire have paid generous tributes to David Cameron - describing him as a "statesmanlike" figure as he departed Downing Street on an historic day.

During his final Prime Minister's Questions today, Worcester MP Robin Walker brought the city's rapidly-improved economy to the nation's attention, thanking Mr Cameron for his "legacy".

Mr Walker also revealed how it marks 10 years to the month since he first applied to become Worcester's Conservative parliamentary candidate.

Amid rousing scenes in the Commons, Mr Walker said: "10 years ago I was applying to become Conservative parliamentary candidate for Labour-held Worcester, just as (Mr Cameron) was uniting the opposition and preparing it for Government.

"Like so many on these benches I entered this House in the week that he first became Prime Minister.

"Since then unemployment in Worcester has halved, apprenticeships have doubled, we have more good and outstanding schools, we're beginning to receive fairer funding, wages are up and taxes are down.

"Can I thank him for all his service to the nation, and his legacy of improved life chances that he will leave behind."

Mr Cameron replied by saying: "Can I thank him for all his kind remarks, we've seen unemployment fall in all these constituencies, we've seen claimants go down.

"But more importantly there are 450,000 fewer children in households where nobody works - think of the effect of having a parent or loved one, working to put food on the table, providing for them.

"That's really what this is all about, and I thank him for those kind words."

During the PMQs a whole raft of MPs lined up to pay tributes to the outgoing premier, including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

"I have often disagreed with him, but there are some of his achievements I really want to welcome," he said.

But Mr Corbyn, who joked if Mr Cameron's next job was a role on TV show Strictly Come Dancing, took him to task on housebuilding and poverty.

The Labour leader also shrugged off chides about his position being challenged, saying it was "democracy" and he welcomed it.

Mr Cameron, who appeared emotional towards the end, said he would be "willing on this place" from the backbenches.

"Nothing really is impossible, if you put your mind to it," he said, as MPs on all sides of the Commons united to clap him on his exit.

He told the packed House of Commons: "I will watch these exchanges from the backbenches, I will miss the roar of the crowd, I will miss the barbs from the Opposition, but I will be willing you on.

"And when I say willing you on, I don't just mean willing on the new prime minister at this despatch box or indeed just willing on the frontbench defending the manifesto that I helped to put together.

"But I mean willing all of you on. Because people come here with huge passion for the issues they care about, they come here with great love for the constituencies that they represent.

"And also willing on this place, because yes we can be pretty tough and test and challenge our leaders, perhaps more than some other countries, but that is something we should be proud of and we should keep at it.

"And I hope you will all keep at it and I will will you on as you do."

As he left all the Conservative side rose to their feet and applauded wildly, while Labour ones sat down but also clapped.

OTHER MPs IN THE COUNTY PAY TRIBUTE

Other Tory MPs in the county have also paid tribute to his time in office.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called Mr Cameron "a great and compassionate leader".

"Under his leadership the country’s economy has grown by 13 per cent and a record number of fellow Britons are in work," she said.

“He has been a great and compassionate leader and it has been a privilege to serve as a Minister in his Government."

Meanwhile Mid-Worcestershire Nigel Huddleston has told the Worcester News he was sorry to see Mr Cameron go.

"He's been a fantastic Prime Minister and a great leader of our party, he's led our party for 11 years, a very long time," he said.

"He's always been incredibly polite and civil to me, no matter how he busy he is he's always made time for me.

"He will acknowledge you no matter what, he always makes you feel that you're the only person in the room.

"I do think history will treat him well and show him as a very dignified, honourable man."

The Tory MP also said he felt Mr Cameron has made the party more appealing to middle-of-the-road voters after the appointment of several more right wing leaders.

"I do think he's made the Conservative Party more open to anybody, it's sad to see him go," he added.

"But it's for Theresa May to take on now, she was always my preferred candidate and it's comforting to know during my discussions with party members they also feel she is a safe pair of hands who can unite the party."